Malton AND NORTON surrendered top place in Yorkshire One after going down 15-13 to Pontefract in a thriller at The Gannock.

Both sides served up a treat for the large crowd to savour in a game full of attacking play of the highest quality and excellent defence by both sides.

The home side opened with a flourish and denied Pontefract any ball for the first 20 minutes as they set up camp in the visitors' half.

Pontefract's defence held firm until centre Ryan Lonsdale stole away along the blindside to cross for a well worked try which Ian Cooke converted.

Malton increased the lead with a Cooke penalty when Pontefract were caught offside at a ruck.

Malton No 8 forward James McKay was having his best game of the season and was proving a handful with his driving runs and another penalty from Cooke gave his side a 13-0 lead.

But Pontefract always looked dangerous in attack and hit back when a slight slip-up was seized upon just before the break and Ponte winger Simon Spears scooted over in the corner.

Both sides still tried to use the full width of the pitch at all times and there was no let-up in the intensity from either side.

It was now Malton's turn to try to stem the pressure as Ponte tried desperately to get back on level terms. Something had to crack and another slight mistake by Malton was exploited by centre Tommy Archer, who crossed for a try which was converted by fly-half Andy Dean to put his side just one point behind.

Play swept from end to end with Malton regularly putting together several phases of good play to worry the visitors and Ponte replying in like fashion when they had the ball.

Malton were unfortunate to be caught offside with 15 minutes remaining and Dean slotted home the penalty to give his side a slender lead for the first time. Malton tried desperately to regain the lead but Ponte's defence proved solid and held out to the final whistle.

There were some tremendous performances on both sides with Liam Vaughan, McKay, Chris Creber, Andy Mitchell and David Cooke outstanding for Malt.

On the evidence of this game both Malton and Pontefract will be fighting for divisional honours come April.

Updated: 09:38 Monday, November 10, 2003